Keeping it Legal: Navigating the Minefield of Supermarket Parking Lot Driving Lessons
Mastering driving skills in a supermarket parking area?
You might think you can save a few bucks on driving lessons by practicing with Mom or Dad on a quiet Sunday on the supermarket parking lot. But, let me tell you, buckle up because you're in for a wild ride. That's not a smart move, sunshine. Not only is it illegal, but it can also land you, your parents, and even the store owner in hot water.
This ain't no minor offense; it's a serious one. Missy, driving without a license is a no-no on public roads, but get this - private properties can be considered part of the public traffic area if they are freely accessible and public traffic takes place on them - like a supermarket parking lot, for instance.
The Brutal Consequences
Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) states that anyone driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license or while under a driving ban is committing the offense of driving without a license. This little misbehavior can be punished with a fine or even imprisonment for up to a year. Repeat offenders may face a multi-year ban on obtaining a driver's license.
But hey, don't think for a moment that you're the only one who's gonna catch the heat. If your pops is the owner of the vehicle, and your mama didn't know you were practicing on the parking lot without your license, guess who could be in trouble? That's right, dear, old Mom.
The father potentially commits incitement or assistance in driving without a license if he actively encourages or helps with the act. So, if you and Mom walk away scot-free, expect Dad to sweep the floor with you, daughter. And let's not forget about Mom. In principle, she may also be considered responsible under Section 21 StVG if she ordered or allowed someone without the necessary driver's license to drive the vehicle.
But wait, before you start pointing fingers, it's crucial to note that this could be difficult to prove if there is no concrete evidence of her involvement and she denies knowing about it, which could lead to the case being dismissed.
Insurance Headaches
Accidents gotta happen, and when they do, there's a good chance your insurance policy could be on the hook. The motor vehicle liability insurance may pay for the other party's damage, but don't be surprised if they swoop in to collect a portion of the sum from the person without a license. If your policy is fully comprehensive, they might even refuse to cover the damage if they recognize a breach of duty in driving without a license. That means you'll be paying out of your own pocket for repairs.
So, Where Can Practice Driving Happen?
Practice driving on private property without a license is only okay if the property is sufficiently separated from the public traffic area, not publicly accessible, and the property owner gives the green light. As Alexander Schnaars from the ADAC puts it, "If one wants to introduce their child to driving before obtaining a driver's license, designated traffic training areas are available where, as an accompanying person with a driver's license, one can accompany their child."
The community should be informed that driving lessons in a supermarket parking lot could violate the Community policy and lead to legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or even a multi-year driving ban. However, if the property owner has given permission for private practice driving and the area is sufficiently separated from the public traffic area, this might be permissible. For education and self-development, it is recommended to consider vocational training or learning in designated traffic training areas, rather than relying on general news such as supermarket parking lot driving lessons.
